Ray Charles Foundation Donates $3 Million to Morehouse

Ray Charles received an honorary degree from Morehouse in 2001 and later that year the musician, who was often referred to as “The Genius,” made two $1-million gifts to the College to seal a mutual commitment to find, educate and inspire the next generation of educated young man.

The naming of the Music Academic Building of the Ray Charles Performing Arts Center for Mrs. Aretha Robinson would have been a dream come true for Charles. Ervin said that before his death in 2004, he made very clear his desire to leave a lasting legacy for his mother. Tonight, that wish came true.